A Ban on Circumcision?

The San Francisco initiative is an assault on Jewish religious liberty.

On the ballot in San Francisco this fall will be a proposal making it a crime to circumcise male children. If the measure passes, anyone convicted of circumcising a baby boy could be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to a year in prison. Even for San Francisco, this is madness.

The circumcising of newborn boys is perhaps the most familiar type of surgery in the United States. According to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, US hospitals perform the procedure more than 1.2 million times each year. While there are wide variations by ethnicity and region, and while circumcision rates have declined in recent years, the great majority of American men are circumcised. And in nearly every case, the decision was made for them in their infancy by their parents -- just like the decision to breastfeed or bottle-feed, or to use cloth or disposable diapers. Even in the most childless major city in America, it's hard to see voters approving what would be an egregious infringement on parental rights.

The health benefits of circumcision are clear, if modest. The Mayo Clinic website reflects the medical consensus, noting that circumcised men and boys generally have a lower risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases; and that circumcision makes genital hygiene easier. At the same time, Mayo endorses the view of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which doesn't consider the advantages of circumcision compelling enough to recommend that infant boys be circumcised as a matter of routine. The academy's bottom line is commonsensical: "Because circumcision is not essential to a child's health, parents should choose what is best for their child by looking at the benefits and risks."

Reasonable people can and do disagree. But there is nothing reasonable about the fanatics trying to make it a crime.

In short, circumcision is something about which reasonable people can and do disagree. But there is nothing reasonable about the fanatics trying to make it a crime.

Circumcision, a fundamental rite in Judaism, has been
a part of Jewish life for nearly 4,000 years.

The ballot campaign in San Francisco is being spearheaded by a group of self-described "intactivists," political crusaders obsessed with the preservation of foreskins. Their mania might be laughable if not for two things: (1) they hijack terminology used to describe a dreadful type of violence against girls and women, and (2) they are attempting to criminalize a fundamental rite of Judaism.

Promoters of the San Francisco initiative call it the "MGM bill." The initials stand for "male genital mutilation," a dishonest phrase meant to link the safe and medically unobjectionable procedure of male circumcision with the frightful cruelty of female genital mutilation.

The two are not remotely comparable. "Female genital mutilation has no known health benefits," the World Health Organization and nine other international organizations stressed in a 2008 report on the scourge, which persists in much of Africa and the Middle East. "On the contrary, it is known to be harmful to girls and women in many ways." It is painful and traumatic; it makes childbearing "significantly" more risky; and it leads to higher rates of post-partum hemorrhaging and infant death. Long-term consequences of female genital mutilation "include chronic pain, infections, decreased sexual enjoyment, and psychological consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder."

By contrast, the WHO report emphasizes, "male circumcision has significant health benefits that outweigh the very low risk of complications." Of particular importance in regions ravaged by AIDS, "circumcision has been shown to lower men's risk for HIV acquisition by about 60 percent." Precisely because circumcision is so benign, WHO and the other agencies are at pains to distinguish it from female mutilation, which is always dangerous.

Dangerous in quite a different way is the San Francisco initiative's assault on Jewish religious liberty. Circumcision is the oldest practice of the world's oldest religion. Irrespective of any medical value, it is the sign in the flesh that for nearly 4,000 years has marked Jewish males as heirs to the ancient pact between Abraham and God. Many Muslims also circumcise their sons for religious reasons.

But the law proposed by the "intactivists" radiates hostility to traditional religious belief: "No account shall be taken of the effect on the person on whom the operation is to be performed of any belief on the part of that or any other person that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual."

The campaign to enact a law banning the most enduring obligation in Jewish experience amounts to what the American Jewish Committee calls a "direct assault on Jewish religious practice in the United States. . . . unprecedented in American Jewish life."

Fortunately, even in California most ballot issues are rejected. When San Franciscans vote this fall, the disgraceful anti-circumcision initiative deserves a decisive defeat.

Visitor Comments: 67

(45)
mel,
August 26, 2011 5:10 AM

Circumcision is a crime and has been since the 1990s in teh U.S.

I wanted to make sure you were aware that circumcision is illegal in the United States for not only females but also males and those with undetermined genitalia. The information regarding the Female Genital Mutilation Amendment and equal rights assurances are listed below. There is NO exception for religion in these laws. Thank you for your time and choosing to become educated regarding circumcision.
http://www.fgmnetwork.org/legisl/US/federal.html
whoever knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained the age of 18 years shall be fined under this ti tle or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/
Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
14th Amendment
Amendment XIV
Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

(44)
Steve Skeete,
July 4, 2011 6:01 PM

A Modest Proposal

Here is a "modest proposal". The best way to hold off these "intactivists" indefinitely is to engage - and if necessary enrage, muslims.
Islam is the only one of the "Abrahamic religions" not overtly under attack in North America. Why? Simple, people fear muslim reprisals. Muslims offended by something that happen in the USA will riot in Malasia or Baghdad, and/or threaten lives in Cairo or Sudan. These threats cause even democratically elected presidents to issue immediate apologies.
So if Muslims also practice circumcision, let them speak out against these "intactivists" and I guarantee you these cowards will run for cover.
Of course, the trick will be getting muslims to do anything they believe will benefit Jews.
What a crazy mixed-up world we live in when the world capital of homosexuality wants to outlaw circumcision. It makes one wonder which causes the most pain!

(43)
Brayton,
June 12, 2011 5:11 AM

Un-Constitutional

The perversion that takes place in San Francisco has grown to new levels of insanity. Taxes pay the homeless to live and excrement on the streets, every sexual perversion is promoted and implemented, and homosexuals parade their phalax symbols in the face of the Creator of heaven and earth. This city is nothing short of a current day Sodom, and they are very proud of it.
If the constitution of the U.S. is still in affect in "San Fran" the people need to rise up and stomp on another homosexual agenda. But, obviously the acts of the Sodomites eventually win the day. When will all the "Lots" leave before the fires strikes?

(42)
Jacob O'Brien,
June 10, 2011 10:05 AM

And to think I live here...

I'm saddened by the intense disregard that some people have for the beliefs of others. I moved to California for more tolerance, and it's here for the most part. But on occasion, there's always something distasteful popping up. The men of Israel have been circumcised since Abraham, as an eternal sign of the covenant, and we can't disregard that. Hopefully this law won't pass, else families in SF may need to go outside of SF County for their son's Bris Milah.

(41)
Flo Stine,
June 9, 2011 9:41 AM

HATE CRIMES

This law is barbaric. How can this happen in America? It is antisemitism of the worst kind. Th author and any supporters of this bill should be arrested for attempted HATE CRIMES against Jews. I am appalled at the vile thinking of these people - I will pray that God will have mercy on them and give them revelation of Who He is and the evil nature of this bill

(40)
Anonymous,
June 6, 2011 2:42 PM

This is scaring me

I have been reading some of the "intactivist" literature and it worries me. The recent "Foreskin Man" comics has images of Jews that are identical to the Nazi caricatures. If this is about circumcision- why did they resort to this? They have a video on Youtube of a Jewish mother stating she regrets the bris on her sons- but that is just one person- and a Jewish anti-circ campaign all in the name of "human rights". These Jews are damaging Judaism from the inside. Intactivists publish personal accounts about the pleasures of being "intact", so that circumcised men are supposed to feel "mutilated" and that they are missing out on something. Yes, these misguided angry intactivists are missing something, and it is not physical. They need to be angry at something and I fear it is us. If one is not Jewish, then to circ or not is a personal private choice between parent and doctor, and I wish it remains that way.

Ayla,
June 8, 2011 10:55 PM

You are right - they ARE angry at something - and that is morality. In their world, there are no absolute truths, only relativism. That is why they are attacking a physical act that joins man with G-d. Because, if they admit to themselves that G-d exists, they will have to be accountable to Him.

(39)
Jeff Davis,
June 4, 2011 11:12 PM

I never thought I would see something like this in America. Things like this happened in Nazi Germany. What's next, men can't wear kippah in public?

(38)
Moshe,
June 3, 2011 6:09 AM

Thank G-d I was not a kid growing up in SF

How disrespectful to the Jewish people as a whole to even think about putting out such a non-sense ballot proposal. Obviously the people putting it out aren't Jewish, probably hate the Jews, and if the city of San Francisco somehow gets away with this G-d forbid, these monsters involved with trying to change Jewish traditions and customs are certainly going to pay dearly for such a stupid thing that has nothing to do with their religion anyways! Why should these fanatics care about what we as Jews do? Like the article said, the Brit Milah has been going on for thousands of years and is a constant in Jewish life, why interfere with it? And the people who vote against it are even worse humans for trying to change the law. I can't believe the stupidity of these people. San Francisco of all cities should let people live the way they want! They should ban getting tattoos instead! and a bunch of other things men do to their bodies which are allowed and no one cares about.

(37)
ayla,
June 2, 2011 10:41 PM

Baby girl ear piercing ok?

It seems no one has brought up the obvious... San Francisco is a town well known for its gay population. Those behind this attempted ban apparently do not object to the practice of piercing a baby girl's ears, but they object to the practice of circumcising a baby boy. And the ear piercing has no connection to any religious practice, so is much less contentious. What is their motive? Is it to spare the baby of pain? Then why do they not concern themselves with the pain of ear piercing for the baby girls? This is a very common practice in South Texas among the Hispanic population, done in infancy. No medical benefits are presented. Big disparity here...

(36)
Yosef ben Rafael,
June 2, 2011 10:14 AM

Meshungina PC in San Francisco...oy

I was born in San Francisco, have lived here all my life and I am a Jew. The City's Board of Supervisors, the ones who instigated this attempt at legislating morality, have deluded themselves and others. If a family decides not to circumcise their baby, fine. It's their choice. And if a family desires to continue their covenantal relationship with haShem, they must have the constitutional right to do so. There is more to the Brit Milah than just the act of circumcision. The politically-correct persons who go along with this are merely stroking their collective egos into assuming they know better. Let them "know better" for themselves. And to those who show disdain for my city...shame on you.

(35)
Anonymous,
June 2, 2011 6:42 AM

And can you make earrings for your daughter? Right, it is less painful but 100% unnecessery also. And can you vaccinate them?

(34)
Svetlana,
June 2, 2011 2:46 AM

People in Francisco have nothing to do better with their life. Loosers

In ever religion has their own believes and we must respect that. I think who ever is trying to bAnned Circumsicion is a religion hate. I just wAnt to let u all know that u will not win this case. Loooooosers

(33)
HM,
June 1, 2011 10:35 PM

Seems like everyone has RIGHTS, but the Jews
They should stop tattoos better
not to worry, the musis, will fight back

(32)
rebecca,
June 1, 2011 4:20 PM

go back to UR closets that U came from!!

they want their freedom butwant to takeaway ours!!!!

(31)
kafka,
June 1, 2011 5:23 AM

Banning is bad

But this tradition is mighty weird.

Rebecca,
June 1, 2011 4:27 PM

its proven beneficial for health, by sience.

it prevents Aids, cancer, & other ailments even in partners. in Africa people stand hours in line to get it cause they know prevents aids!!!

(30)
Malkie,
May 31, 2011 5:08 PM

05/31/2011
It starts with Circumcision, then comes Shchita, as the world is trying to do in New Zealand, England etc. Switzerland doesn't have Shchita already for centuries. Where do you think they will go from here? Wake up and smell the coffee. Be prepared for everything. Malkie

(29)
Mika,
May 31, 2011 1:30 AM

Anti-semitism at it's core

Anti-semitism at it's core

(28)
Kip Gonzales,
May 30, 2011 6:38 PM

What about the Muslims?

I wonder if any of those "do-gooders" or "World-improvers" would ever dare object to Muslim circumcisions? The Muslims also trace their custom of circumcising back to Abraham, but in Islam, a boy only has to be circumcised before he reaches puberty. They make a big celebration out of it for the little boys. Would that outfit in San Francisco try to stop Muslims from circumcising their sons? I´ll bet not. In Paris and in Manhattan, hundreds of Muslims block busy intersections downtown, just to face Mecca and pray. Everything stops for 15 minutes, and the police don´t interfere. What do you think would happen if a group of Jews or Christians would try to block an intersection so they could pray?

(27)
Madeleine,
May 30, 2011 6:25 PM

Jewish mother against Circumcision

There are many commands we as Jews do symbolically rather than literally. And many most don't do at all. It''s about time we find a symbolic way to circumcise or sons rather than cutting of part of their body. I never circumcised my boy and now as a grown man he's thankful he has all the parts of his body G-d created him to have. I believe that when G-d stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, The meaning was to not cut any part of the boy. To find instead a goat or other symbolic offering rather than sacrificing his child... any part of his child.

Jewish Mom,
May 30, 2011 10:13 PM

Sorry, Madeleine. You are sadly mistaken.

Madeleine, we cannot add to or detract from the Torah. The same Torah that teaches us that G-d stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac also teaches us that G-d entered into a convenant with the Jewish people and that circumcision is part of that covenant. G-d wants man to be a partner in creation and perfect his body and He wants Jewish males do to it via circumcision. The Torah in its entirety is G-d's express Will - a very basic tenet of Judaism. The commandment to circumcise Jewish males is clearly spelled out in the Torah and it cannot be rewritten to exclude it. Removing the foreskin is not cutting of a part of the body nor mutilating it, aside from the proven medical benefits. Perhaps breaking the hymen is mulitation and all women should retain their virginity in order to be perfectly whole?! Your picture of what is good and correct, of wholeness and wholesomeness does not necessarily match G-d's vision. If you pick and choose to do the mitzvot - the Torah's commandments - symbolically rather than as detailed in Jewish law, then the Jewish religion loses all meaning. Are the mitzvot G-d's will or not? If you believe they are and live your life that way, then you are practicing Judaism. If not, then whatever customs or mitzvot you choose to do, symbolically or otherwise, cannot be called Judaism, but rather a religion of your own making. I am sure that you are a sincere and caring person. Take up the challenge to examine the claim that the Torah's source is Divine and whether its commandments, including circumcision, are binding. Contact Aish HaTorah for local resouces: Torah classes, Partners in Torah and the like.

jeff,
June 1, 2011 2:39 AM

sorry jewish mom you are mistaken

I'm sure that you are a sincere and caring person. However, no one has the right to mutilate anyone else's body because you think its a good idea or compelled by god. His penis. His decision. Also, it inflicts excrucitating pain for no good reason.

yojewmama,
June 1, 2011 1:23 PM

truth seeking

@ jeff, I've seen babies cry more heart wrenching tears over having their diaper changed than at a bris or a toddler at being told "no". I don't think we really know what degree of pain that infant feels at 8 days old. My son never complained after the fact and he stopped complaining as soon as his diaper was back on and he was in the arms of the mohel. @Madeleine, Abraham did it and all the men in his house did it. Our tribe has been doing this ritual for many thousands of years. We're still here while ancient Greece (who thought it was obscene to circumcise boys) is long gone. Not everything we are commanded to do makes sense to us. Not everything I tell my kids to do makes sense to them. Once they have the perspective of time, things will make more sense, they are even likely to raise their kids with the same "dumb" restrictions. Without having G.d's perspective, we can't know the "why" but it is clear that this is a commandment for a physical act, not a symbolic gesture.

R K in L.A.,
May 31, 2011 3:51 AM

Please go back and read the Torah

Your statement is completely unfounded:
"I believe that when G-d stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, The meaning was to not cut any part of the boy."
The almost-not-quite sacrifice of Isaac came AFTER he (and Ishmael) were already circumcised by their father under instructions from G-d. Afterwards, in the sequence of events leading up to the exodus from Egypt, G-d repeats this mandate to make sure everyone leaving Egypt will have been circumcised already. I believe there is another repetition of the mitzvah, probably in Deuteronomy.

Beverly Kurtin,
May 31, 2011 4:51 AM

GD Commanded Brit Malia

Madeleine, you are actually PROUD of disobeying what Gd commanded? Hashem had a reason for circumcision. It is the mark of a Jewish man. I would never marry a man who was not circumcised because of the diseases that uncircumcised men can give to a woman. To me, an uncircumcised man is not a Jew and I'd never marry one.

Folke Holtz,
May 31, 2011 1:25 PM

I´m thankful for that I am circumcised

The circumcing is of a very deep significant spirituell act and fact. For ever in this life I know that I do not belong to anybody else than the Jewish people. That is a great gift of G-d

HM,
June 1, 2011 10:31 PM

WHAT A SHAME

Next we will all have cheese burgers

(26)
Ann Brady,
May 30, 2011 5:08 PM

To Cut or Not to Cut

How do they practise anti-Semitism? Let us count the ways... Have we seen a law to ban and severely penalize the barbaric practice of female infibulation, yet?

(25)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2011 3:20 PM

Democracy, a Greek Idea!

Circumcision is a surgery that, without a doubt, causes pain to a helpless infant and may cause psychological scars as well. Its value with regard to health and hygene is more than questionable. However this is a religious ritual that is important to Jews and Muslims. The Jews might take exception to a law that prohibits circumcision but their response would be civilized as usual. Muslims on the other hand miight be offended and we know what they do when they get offended. Maybe we should make this a Muslim issue. As for the gentiles, they should not be automatically subject to circumcision since it is essentially a religious ritual and an infant has no religious convictions at all, so unless the parents are Jews or Muslims, leave the goy-boy in tact.
However, I would gladly oppose such a law because I am opposed to any form of intrusive and dictatorial government but then this is San Francisco; can any good come out of San Francisco?

(24)
Bill Vanderhoof,
May 30, 2011 1:55 PM

what don't they understand

Do they not understand "OR THE FREE EXCERSISE THEREOF" clause of the first ammendment?

(23)
smb,
May 30, 2011 7:19 AM

People don't really understand the consequence of not doing circumcision. While a baby boy is Still Jewish even without circumcision, they are spiritually cut off and can’t do certain things like be counted for a minyan(prayer group of 10) and other things. Imagine a pipe connected to a sink and receiving water, and then the pipe breaks. So too, we have a spiritual channel connecting us to G-d. Our prayer and good deeds are collected, and we receive blessing. (Besides nourishing our soul, the mitzvos(Jewish practices) bring sparks of light to the world) If the baby boy doesn’t get circusized, his spiritual channel is cut off.
There are many things that hurt like shots but people still do it. Some might say well shots have medical benefits, but so does circumcision. It can reduce the risk of infection and cancer when they are older because they don’t have to clean the foreskin.
Ultamately though, we do it because we are obligated to. And G-d knows what is good for us.

(22)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2011 4:16 AM

an unbelievable prohibition of a commonly held practice if for no other reason than cleanliness

My sister had her two boys circumcised so they could be just like their dad...what's wrong with that.?

(21)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2011 2:03 AM

People have absolutely lost their racist minds!

Anonymous,
May 31, 2011 4:53 AM

Impossible

They couldn't lose what they never had.,

(20)
Dr R Wolberg,
May 30, 2011 1:51 AM

Nothing is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and stupidity!

There should be some type of national outcry by all people of conscience. This is totally insana and should never, never, never have become a referendum. What if a group of people got together and had a referendum that blood transfusions should be illegal with the same penalties proposed for circumcision. Do you think that there would be more of an outcry? You bet there would! So why isn't there the same outcry for this? Because of the complacency which has infected society. We need leaders like Harry Truman, Martin Luther King, Golda Meir, John F. Kennedy. We need a voice to counter the madness as characterized by the demented and deranged addle-heads of San Francisco. The "normal" people of San Francisco should be frightened of these "inactivists," (a term that I quite don't get). Their dangerousness is only exceeded by their ignorance.

(19)
Yaakov Zelig,
May 29, 2011 11:33 PM

The 15 yr.old has more wisdom than the adults

I agree. It is G-D's wisdom to remove all the Jew's from Golus and return to Eretz Yisroel. We will rebuild our Nation in Judea and Samaria.

(18)
TMay,
May 29, 2011 8:51 PM

Please note

The same SF people pushing this measure would be pro-choice regarding abortion. Why do they not believe that the child should be allowed to grow up before deciding whether it wants to be aborted? A parent has the right to decide on life versus death but the same parent does not have the right to decide on a millenia old religious tradition? Note how the Left is pro-choice regarding life and death, but not about light bulbs, McDonalds toys, soda, whether to buy medl insurance, the defn of marriage, self-defense (guns), driving, parents making school lunches for children, home schooling, natl decisions (they prefer the UN), the mentioning of religion in the public square, the free market, the right of farmers to raise dairy cows, and the right of people to eat meat if they so choose, to choose the temperature in their residence, the right of people to decide whether to buy Israeli goods.
The Left is anti-freedom, except for the freedom to get addicted to drugs, have your drug addiction problems be paid for by the rest of society, sexual license, abort, open borders, use profanity, to feed tofu to carnivores, dogs and cats, which is unhealthy for them because why bother to look at 100,000 years of the history of dogs and cats, change the definition of traditional marriage by fiat of a single judge against the vote of the population, which changes a human institution of 100,000 years, which change will, due to the legislative "slippery slope", create the legal precedent to change the definition of marriage further and will IMHO likely result in way more change than just homosexual marriage, such as the number of marriage partners, changing from "1" to "1" to more, which is already recognized in religions and in history and for which there is a much stronger argument. (Husbands would not have to divorce their spouses in order to marry another younger and start a new family. And once the defn of marriage is changed, you can't go back.) Unite. It is an ongoing battle.

(17)
ezra sofair md,
May 29, 2011 8:46 PM

doctors and mohelim should work together to decrease the pain of circumcision

As a shomer shabbat anesthesiologist I believe more must be done to decrease the pain of circumcision.Blood pressure and heart rate increases and other signs show that infants are having pain.Local anesthesia can help but I do not know the optimal method to reduce the pain.

Anonymous,
May 31, 2011 5:08 AM

How do you think Abraham felt?

Doc, Hashem chose the 8th day for the circumcision; it is an immutable command. If done properly, the amount of pain is minimal, It wasn't all that long ago when physicians thought that children didn't have pain, so operated on then sans anesthesia. I've spoken with men who converted and were circumcised as adults; you'd think it had become the end of the world for them.
Do you know what they call an uncircumcised Jewish child?
A girl!!
BTW, while working on my doctoral dissertation, I worked as an anesthesia secretary, keeping track of all of the various drugs and gases that were used during a surgery. What about Actiq for a very short period of time. The uptake could be too slow or too powerful?. Topical anesthesia could very easily be used, but would it be kosher to circumcise a child like that?
I use Fentanyl patches to control polyneuropathy in both of my feet.

Flo Stine,
June 9, 2011 9:58 AM

Pain

I am an RN and worked for years in obstetrics and in the nursery. I have assisted in circumcision done there and many times babies actually slept through the procedure. Granted, some screamed through it, but then, they also screamed when they were hungry, needed to burp or needed their diaper changed. Every person should be able to make the decisions for their child that they feel is best. The government shouldn't dictate those decisions. Many Latino parents have their newborn daughter's ears pierced. Are they going to ban that too?

(16)
E.L.,
May 29, 2011 8:01 PM

WHAT TO DO

I am surprised that such an article doesn't call for some sort of action--at least signing one of those petitions or something. Isn't that usually in order for something like this?

(15)
Emily,
May 29, 2011 8:00 PM

outrageous

It is the right of a parent to observe the rules of their religion. Next they will tell Christians they can't receive communion

(14)
Chana,
May 29, 2011 6:03 PM

Unbelievable!

This ought to get the Jewish community united to get out there and vote. Such anti religion - anti G-d and Scripture needs to be humbled by a landslide defeat!

(13)
Bob,
May 29, 2011 5:28 PM

aclu

Where are all those Jewish lawyers in the aclu?? Why aren't protesting this...The aclu is the largest group of Jewish Anti-semites in the WORLD!!
Just try to put up a menorah on city land and watch the aclu go to work...they will do everything they can to remove the Menorah!!!

(12)
Aoirthoir An Broc,
May 29, 2011 4:17 PM

It's another assault on Males and Jews...

I spend a lot of time informing myself about "social-justice" positions. For years the position of most in the "social-justice" movement have been that FGM, Female Genital Mutilation, should be banned. FGM can involve anything from a minor nick, to the complete cutting away of portions of the victim, followed by sewing shut. For many this is so severe that urination can be made only a few drops at a time! The practice is often done without any anethesia and with broken class or used (and perhaps rusted) razor blades. It is performed typically on girls from about aged 8 to 15. The health dangers should be obvious and are already mentioned in the article. It's practice is so dangerous to women and misogynistic that years after having the practice imposed upon them, mothers have fled their home country seeking POLITICAL ASYLUM in the west.
Now, despite all of these horrific facts, many in the "social-justice" movements have taken to calling FGM, FGC (cutting). They are now starting to hold the position that it is not our right to impose our culture upon those in Africa, the Middle East and even in the West that wish to continue this practice, despite the harm FGM causes. It is the mother's right to decide for her daughter if this should be done. This new position would be bad enough on its own. It is even worse when we consider that often these very same folks hold the OPPOSITE position regarding circumcision.
Despite the benefits mentioned in the article, the very very very VERY RARE harmful side effects, of male circumcision, they now tell us that we're MUTILATED. These girls who have parts of them cut OFF and are sewn shut are just "cut," but WE males are MUTILATED. Why would they hold such opposing viewpoints? The harmful is OK, but the not harmful and actually beneficial is mutilation?
It is nothing less than an attack on Judaism and men (not Jewish but pro-circumcision).
I am NOT mutilated.
Kind Regards
Aoirthoir a circumcised Pagan

Anonymous,
May 30, 2011 4:20 AM

good for you. i agree.

Michy,
June 3, 2011 2:11 AM

Fear of taking a stand

It’s part of the notion in educated Western circles that other cultures are wonderful and enlightened, ours is idiotic, and standing up for others makes us colonialists. Even when some other cultures mutilate and kill their own (usually women), some people have this idea that it’s not for us to say anything because we don’t understand their culture. How myopic and sad to not stand up for people who have few rights out of a misguided notion that we will appear imperialist or racist.

(11)
Baruch E. Kahana, M.D.,
May 29, 2011 3:45 PM

Circumcision and HPV

The neutral attitude of the American Academy of Pediatrics is due to the fact that pediatricians never find cancer of the cervix or cancer of the penis in their young patients. These diseases are caused by HPV - the human papilloma virus - which takes years to cause malignancy in its various hosts. HPV is transmitted via sexual contact. The male foreskin and its secretion, smegma, seem to be a reservoir for this virus. Removal of the foreskin at a very early age (8 days is a good number) makes it very unlikely that that male will be able to transmit that virus to his sexual partner(s). The name of the game is prevention - which is worth a ton of cure - and we chlorinate our water supply for that very good reason. And, just for the record, a hearty "Kol HaKavod" to "Mah Ze?" for his/her comment.

(10)
Anonymous,
May 29, 2011 3:45 PM

My 15 yr old son said it all...

My 15 yr old son said it all when he heard me read out the article, "...it's because G-d wants all the Jews to move to Israel..."

Danny,
May 30, 2011 3:31 AM

Kol Hakavod!

smart little guy

Sarah,
May 30, 2011 4:36 AM

Yes!

We don't belong in exile! We should have learned our lesson from recent history!

Anonymous,
May 31, 2011 5:11 AM

Not yet

Right now, if every Jew in the world went home, it would be very easy for the Arabs to wipe all of us out. Let's stay spread out for now, when Moshiach comes, THEN we go.

(9)
Lee Dimin,
May 29, 2011 3:44 PM

Ban circumcision? What's next

Our legislators have to be sexually perverted in one way or another. With all the problems facing the people of this nation, the uppermost concern in far too many people's "mind": are abortion, pregnancy, circumcision, same sex unions and other personal matters that affect only a minority of the population, and personally, not in the community.
For ten years now we have brave Americans serving their country in Afghanistan and Iraq, resulting in the killing of more than double all the Americans al-Qaeda killed in its terrorist attacks, wounding and crippling more than tens of thousands more Americans that were similarly injured in the al-Qaeda attacks, with an average of 18 American service suicides daily, and we are concerned about the circumcision of the foreskin of the male penis. We are a sick bunch of people, and the more I hear, the more that is revealed in our Congress, in our State legislatures and in our Courts, the more I am convinced that we are in a rapid descent from the country once described by Lincoln as " of the people, by the people and for the people."

(8)
Betty Moses,
May 29, 2011 3:31 PM

I cannot see this going through. What has been the custom/ritual for centuries with no adverse effects cannot suddenly become an issue . What next ? No ear piercing before the age of 18 ??

(7)
b.kline,
May 29, 2011 3:30 PM

Foresight!

Have you notice all of the countries who have experienced terrible tragedies, earthquakes, tornadoes, forest fires, the list goes on. These are usually the countries that start their nonsense with Jews, coincidental you might think. Think again, the Andreas Fault is an accident waiting to happen and, if San Francisco carries on its PC issues against our beliefs, then who knows, they might be in for the biggest snip of all...

(6)
Rachel,
May 29, 2011 3:20 PM

Not just bad for the Jews

Obviously, Muslims will be opposed to this proposal as they, too, circumcise their sons. And the Roman Catholic archbishop of San Francisco has spoken out against the initiative for its infringement on the religious practices of Jews and Muslims. Furthermore, this can well lead to a "slippery slope" -- who's to say what could be banned next by those who believe there are social ills to certain religious practices? There are educators who oppose single-sex schools; social activists who oppose head scarves (see Europe); etc. Defending parental rights should be a priority for ALL Americans.

(5)
Cherrie Elmes,
May 29, 2011 3:08 PM

A non Jewish perspective

I am not Jewish, but my eldest son was circumcised at the age of 21 for health reasons. It was not pleasant, it was painful and psychologically traumatic. I also have two sisters both with boys who also needed to be circumcised. In my family at least the health benefits are apparent. Other people practise circumcision and from my experience it is widely practised among Ghanaian Christians and other Africans. There is no obligation for non-Jews, but I am convinced that it is a practice which is beneficial to all and if performed correctly under hygienic conditions in early childhood there is no reason at all to define this as mutilation and it is also worlds apart from female genital mutilation.. The eighth day is the most suitable time and perfect for a number of physiological reasons - G-d does not make mistakes

(4)
Judith Herzog,
May 29, 2011 2:34 PM

ant-isemitism

This is not lack of respect...it is full-blown malevolent anti-semitism! This is the exact method used over the centuries by virtually all countries seeking to destroy Judaism and Jews- make circumcision illegal. Let's call it what it is!

(3)
Mah Ze?,
May 29, 2011 2:01 PM

Still legal here.

Just a reminder: Bris Milah is still legal in Israel & if you move here we will also allow you to practice all mitzvot freely....

jgarbuz,
May 29, 2011 2:33 PM

Not necessarily. Israeli leftists will destroy you in Israel too.

My ex-wife, and Israeli social worker of Argentinian origin, fought me furiously, and did not want our son circumcized! I had to fight her to keep her from being "white meat" (pork" home as well. Of course eventually she divorced me and took me to the cleaners. My son never got a bar mitzvah. So don't assume that coming to ISrael will somehow guarantee "Jewishness." There are no guarantees. The Leftists will have us intermarrying with Muslims very very soon! Just wait and see.

Rochel,
May 29, 2011 4:39 PM

AMEN

Good idea.... IYH we are coming soon...

(2)
Anonymous,
May 29, 2011 1:55 PM

Santa Monica is also putting it on the ballot.

Anonymous,
May 29, 2011 4:39 PM

Peoples' Republic of S. Monica

need I day more?

Kimmi C,
June 3, 2011 5:40 AM

Santa Monica PC tyrants

I'm so sick Santa Monica's tyranny in the name of saving the planet. Why don't they just admit they're saving the grocery stores plastic bag money. They want to go into your apartment and control your smoking habits. Tell you that you can't circumcise your son? I'm not the least bit surprised.

(1)
David Foreman,
May 29, 2011 1:24 PM

Another assault on Jews

This proposal even making the balot shows a lack of respect for Halacha. Your article clearly stated the benefits of circumcision, and a parent's right to chose. For non-Jews it's a choice, for Jews it is carrying out of the mitzvah of Brit Milah. I'm sure the proponents of this law are aware of the Jewish position and are proceding with full knowledge of its consequences to Jews. I don't see this law standing up to a legal challenge of it based on separation of church and state.
After all, considering the challenges Jews have faced in our history most Jewish males succeed and thrive in spite of this "mutilation." What really motivates these proponents?

Anonymous,
May 29, 2011 4:43 PM

Hate

Hate motivates them, and self rightiousness and zealotry. These are elitists who think that they know better than G-d and parents what is good for your children. These are the same people who want to tell you what is ok to feed your children and what you should be able to have access to and what you should not be allowed access to. These are the people who fight to erode our civil liberties on a daily basis. This is a disgrace. If this passes, I certainly hope that the USSC sees fit to knock it down, but these days, you never know.... Where is Moshiach?

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

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